Mausoleum of Imam al-Hasan of Basra

The Mausoleum of Imam al-Hasan is located in Basra's Zubayr district and features a distinctive conical domed tower ornamented with carved reliefs. Inside the structure rest the tombs of Hasan and Ibn Sirin, while a prayer room occupies one section of the shrine for worship.

The tower was constructed in 1185 by the Abbasid Caliph Al-Nasir and incorporates Seljuk architectural elements with traditional Islamic patterns. This construction reflects the building techniques and artistic standards of that era in the region.

The shrine draws visitors who wish to honor Hasan al-Basri, an influential Islamic scholar from the early period. People come here to pray and feel a spiritual connection to this historical figure.

When visiting, note that the northern section features pillars decorated with plaster paintings that help define the space. The building has limited facilities, so plan for a brief to moderate visit and be mindful of uneven historic grounds.

The structure follows a distinctive architectural principle where the tower base diameter is larger than the upper section, creating a tapered form. This feature allows for the use of marble throughout the shrine and produces a visual lightness that differs from conventional mausoleum designs.